Often thought of as an issue only war veterans deal with, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental health condition that can cause someone severe impairment to their daily lives. Anyone who witnessed a traumatic event is prone to developing PTSD, no matter their age, occupation, or overall mental health. Managing symptoms of the disorder can be difficult, and finding the best treatments for PTSD can be a rewarding, even lifesaving, challenge. People with PTSD are more likely to engage in risky behavior, like substance abuse or self-harm.
You do not have to struggle with PTSD alone. Seeking professional help is brave and can help manage the intense feelings you deal with. The team at Northpoint Recovery can help you uncover the therapy that works best for you and help you get back on track to a healthy lifestyle. Call 888.296.8976 today to find your options for the best PTSD treatment program.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health disorder that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Mental health professionals specify qualifying traumatic events as:
- War
- Severe accidents, like a car crash
- Natural disasters
- Sexual assault
Other events may also qualify as traumatic events for psychologists and psychiatrists to diagnose PTSD. After assigning a diagnosis, a mental health professional will often begin to help discover effective therapy plans for the person struggling with PTSD.
8 of the Best Treatments for PTSD
Many people with PTSD experience intense emotions and intrusive thoughts, especially related to the event they witnessed or experienced. Since a wide range of events can cause it, PTSD treatment options are also varied. Some treatments for PTSD will include medication, while others still rely on talk therapy.
1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
One of the most common treatments for PTSD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy works to help people with PTSD understand and change their thoughts and behaviors. CBT relies on a series of sessions where a therapist will talk with the person with PTSD to help them identify and work through their emotions.
2. Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is another commonly used treatment for PTSD. Exposure therapy aims to help people with PTSD face their trauma-related memories in a controlled setting. This type of therapy is effective for those who deal with traumatic memories often or feel like their lives are never free from triggers.
3. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is another common treatment for PTSD that is effective for many. EMDR therapy involves the therapist helping the patient imagine a traumatic event while using different stimuli, like eye movements or sounds.
4. Meditation
For people who do not want to talk about their trauma or who want to try to manage their PTSD on their own, meditation can be an effective treatment. Meditation helps people focus and control their thoughts, which can be helpful for those with intrusive thoughts from PTSD.
5. Dual Diagnosis Treatment
For those with PTSD who also struggle with substance abuse, dual diagnosis treatment can be an effective way to address both issues. Dual diagnosis treatment is a type of therapy that helps people with mental health disorders and substance abuse problems.
6. Medication Therapy
Some people with PTSD may also need to take medication to help manage the disorder’s symptoms. A mental health professional may recommend many different medicines for those dealing with PTSD, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.
7. Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is a type of talk therapy that can help people with PTSD understand and work through their emotions. This type of therapy relies on the therapist talking with the patient to help them uncover and understand their feelings.
8. Group Therapy
Group therapy is another type of talk therapy that can be effective for those with PTSD. In group therapy, people with PTSD meet with a therapist and other people who also have PTSD. This opportunity can be a helpful way for people to share their experiences and learn from each other.
Dual Diagnosis PTSD Treatment at Northpoint Recovery
If you or a loved one is dealing with PTSD, please do not hesitate to reach out to the dedicated team at Northpoint Recovery. Our dual diagnosis treatment program can help you better understand and manage your symptoms to get back to living the life you deserve. Your dual diagnosis therapy plan may include these effective PTSD treatment options.
Take control of your future by getting help to manage your PTSD symptoms. Call 888.296.8976 today to get started.